ADA COMPLIANT BATHROOM BLOGS

Life can change quickly and when you purchased or built your home, you may not have thought about ADA kitchens as there was no need for one at the time. If life has changed because you've grown older and want to remain in your home, but just need a few adjustments, ADA kitchens are your solution. These kitchens also work great if you have suffered an injury and no longer have the mobility you once had to maneuver around your home. William Falkenstein is the remodel expert to contact to ensure your kitchen remodel is ADA compliant. What Makes a Kitchen Handicap Accessible? ADA kitchens are designed so an individual with a mobility or disability issue can continue to use them comfortably and safely. The individuals who will benefit from these kitchens are those who have to use a wheelchair, have balance or strength limitations, or have a mobility impairment. What Remodel Needs are Necessary for ADA Kitchens The ADA has many specifications that need to be followed so a kitchen is more accessible for handicapped individuals. The standards you are to follow to remain ADA compliant are explicit and detailed. If you are considering a project of this magnitude, you should consult with the experts at William Falkenstein to learn all prescribed layouts and positioning specifications. These are just some of the principles you need to know when remodeling for ADA kitchens. 1. Kitchen throughways and doors have to meet a minimum width. The width is specific to accommodate mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs. 2. Work surfaces and countertops have to be at an appropriate height to allow a user to use the space with ease. If your remodel project is for a wheelchair user, there needs to be a space underneath these surfaces to accommodate the wheelchair. The open space cannot have any abrasive or sharp encumbrances. 3. The floors in ADA kitchens need to be clear of all obstructions that could get in the way of a walker or wheelchair. These obstructions must also be cleared away, so as not to present a danger to someone walking who has a risk of falling. 4. Kitchen appliances that are front-operated, such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, range, or oven need to have adequate space around them so they are accessible from the side. This accessibility is necessary in order for a disabled person to be able to use and access the appliance. 5. ADA kitchen requirements are much more detailed than the above-mentioned principles. To learn more about ADA compliance, talk to the experts at William Falkenstein. What to Plan on When Remodeling for ADA Kitchens If you are considering a remodel project to make your kitchen ADA compliant, the key is to get a kitchen design that works for you. Plan on what you need now, for all the members of the household who use the kitchen, and how your needs might change in the future. These are the key elements needed when remodeling an ADA accessible kitchen: Sink and countertops- These areas need a work area that is a suitable height with appropriate access to meet the needs. Storage- When planning on storage space, determine which items are used regularly and ensure all essential storage is reached safely and easily. Appliance access- Adjust the height of any wall-mounted ovens, or install a range that has an opening underneath, so it is wheelchair accessible. Microwaves can be installed under counter to make them easier and safer to use. The refrigerator drawers should be on the bottom or install an under-counter refrigerator. Clearance and floorspace- The kitchen needs to include a layout that will allow for ample space to maneuver with a walker or wheelchair. This maneuverable space includes around an island, in the work zone, access to storage areas, and around the dining table. Controls, outlets, knobs, and handles- Select accessories and hardware that are easier to maneuver and accessible. One example is that handles are easier to grip than knobs which can help when your grip is not as effective as it used to be. These are some of the planning ideas to consider when thinking about remodeling your kitchen or any other room in your home to make it more accessible for someone with disabilities. An experienced remodeling expert who is familiar with ADA guidelines will be able to advise you on the best practices for designing your new kitchen. Where to Learn More About Remodeling ADA Kitchens William Falkenstein is the professional to contact when considering any type of remodeling project to make it more handicap accessible. We have over 43 years of experience in the industry and for your security, we are insured and licensed. Contact one of our specialists today to learn how we can make your home more comfortable and safe for everyone.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was passed in 1990. This Act provided guidelines for how to build a bathroom that is customized for anyone, especially someone with a disability, to have safe access to the area. Homeowners are not required to follow these guidelines under the law, but the guidelines can still be used by them as a reference point if they want ADA bathrooms in their homes. These are some of the key features of ADA bathrooms that comply with minimum specifications. 1. Grab Bars Grab bars should be easy to grab with a smooth texture. The bars can be installed on any partition or wall closest to where an individual uses the bathroom. Shower and bathroom remodeling companies, like William Falkenstein, recommend you use these fixtures when you remodel your bathroom for a family member who has issues with mobility. The grab bars by the toilet should be on the sidewall next to the toilet as well as on the rear wall. The bar should be at least forty-two inches long, and no more than twelve inches from the rear wall. The bar on the rear wall needs to be at least a minimum of thirty-six inches, extend at least twelve inches on one side from the center of the toilet, and be at least twenty-four inches on the other side. Grab bars should be installed in a horizontal position and at least thirty-three and thirty-six inches max above the floor. There should be at least one-and-half inches of space between the bar and the wall for proper gripping. The bars should also be able to support up to two-hundred-fifty pounds of force. 2. Toilets A toilet to be ADA compliant needs to have adequate space allowance so that anyone using it has immediate access to the grab bars and the toilet seat. The toilet needs to be at least sixty inches wide and have a seat that is between seventeen to nineteen inches from the top of the seat to the base. The toilet should also be located between sixteen and eighteen inches from the wall to the center of the toilet. There should be a minimum of sixty inches around the toilet from the sidewall to allow for wheelchairs to easily maneuver. A defined clear floor space should be available for a forward or side approach to the toilet at all times. This space cannot be obstructed by a garbage can, sink, or any other object. The flush control on the toilet should also be located on the open side of the unit. 3. Sinks For a sink to be ADA compliant, it can be either a pedestal or wall-mounted style. It has to allow for anyone in a wheelchair to have enough room to move their chair into position to use the sink. The sink has to be seventeen inches out from the wall and at least twenty-nine inches from the floor to the bottom of the sink. If you have a vanity or countertop around the sink, there can be no more than three inches of space along the front of the sink's edge. Under the sink, there should be at least twenty-seven inches clearance to allow for someone in a wheelchair adequate knee space. There should also be a depth under the sink of at least eight inches. If there are any pipes under the sink, they should be insulated or properly covered, and the faucets need to be within easy reach. The faucets also need to be easy to operate with one hand. Where to Learn More About ADA Bathrooms William Falkenstein provides superior quality handicap accessible bathroom remodels or installations. If your home now requires ADA bathrooms added, talk to one of our experts and learn how William Falkenstein can provide your loved one with the easy access they require to safely use the bathroom.

A roll-in shower is also referred to as a roman or special shower and is designed for those with limited mobility. Roll-in showers are ideal for older adults, people in wheelchairs, or those with limited physical abilities. Bathing can become difficult and in some cases dangerous for people with disabilities, so providing a safer shower option is also more comfortable for them. ADA showers that feature no curb at the entrance mean the bathroom floor is level with the shower floor and will allow for a wheelchair to roll in without obstructions. The floor in these showers is also at an incline to keep the floor as dry as possible. Types of ADA Showers Two different types of ADA showers fit the roll-in description. These both serve the same purpose and must meet ADA standards for features and measurements. The Standard Roll-In Shower A standard roll-in shower has three walls. Two of the walls are on the side with one long wall in the back and one long open entrance. The entrance cannot have a threshold, or if it does, it must comply with ADA standards. The shower must be at least sixty inches long and thirty inches deep. The shower stall must also have bars on the walls without seats attached to them. Outside of the shower stall, there must be enough area to make maneuvering and turning easy. The Alternate Roll-In Shower With an alternate roll-in shower, there is a short wall at the entrance with a seat behind it. To comply with ADA showers regulations there can be no barriers or only those that are ADA compliant barriers. The shower stall must be sixty inches long, and thirty-six inches deep. There should be grab bars on the back and sidewalls. Special Features in Roll-In Showers Roll-in showers are designed to provide safety and comfort for those who need them. To provide these benefits there are certain features installed that are not found in conventional showers. These are some of those features: Grab Bars Grab bars are installed to provide support for those with difficulty in balance. They are installed on the walls of the roll-in shower vertically, horizontally, or at an angle to help those with disabilities to pull themselves up from the bench, or to provide stability when standing or moving. The grab bars should be placed on all sides of a roll-in shower at a thirty-three to a thirty-six-inch height above the shower floor. If there is a seat or chair in the shower stall, that wall does not require a grab bar. The bars should span the length of the side and back walls, but not overlap the seating area. The bars should also be 1.25" to 1.5" in diameter to accommodate weights up to 250 lbs. Control Area With the roll-in shower, there needs to be a control area of thirty-eight to forty-eight inches outside of the stall. These can also be placed on any wall of the shower. If your shower has a seat, controls should be on the back wall and not any further apart than twenty-seven inches horizontally from the seat wall and not any further than thirty-eight to forty-eight inches from the floor. Shower Head ADA showers are not required to have a hand-held shower head, but they definitely make showering more accessible. The showerhead should be on the back wall and can be no more than twenty-seven inches from the seat so it is reachable. Typically the shower heads are height-adjustable so anyone can use them whether they are disabled or not. Threshold The threshold of the shower stall prevents water from flowing out of the stall and onto the bathroom floor. If they are installed, these thresholds cannot be more than 0.5" high with beveled edges on both sides. If the threshold is lower than 0.25" then it does not need the edges beveled. Benefits of the Roll-In Shower The roll-in shower provides a number of benefits. These showers are easy to use, maximize your space, provide an aesthetic appeal, and are easy to maintain. These benefits are on top of the safety and comfort features they provide to those with disabilities. Where to Learn More About Roll-In Showers William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home are the professionals to contact if you have questions about ADA showers or other compliant features to make your bathroom or kitchen safer and more comfortable for someone with disabilities. With over forty years of experience in the field, we are your source for quality remodeling services at prices you can afford.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities) has made a positive impact on the quality of life for millions of Americans. The act was created to provide those with physical disabilities or who are physically challenged access to public facilities. The act has also benefited private living spaces by making compliant material available to more contractors. With ADA-compliant plumbing fixtures, it simplifies daily tasks for those who are physically disabled whether in a public facility or their home. ADA guidelines for public buildings specify minimum requirements that are intended to make the areas accessible to all. While family homes, executive or private offices, and condos are exempt from these requirements, many contractors now use them when requested to allow occupants the same benefits as those in public facilities. What Makes a Sink ADA Compliant? The ADA has made it very clear what the guidelines are to ensure a sink is compliant with its specifications. The specifications include: The pipes under the sink have to be insulated to prevent contact with skin, there also cannot be abrasive or sharp surfaces under the sink There has to be 27 x 30 inches of space allowed for knee clearance below the sink The sink must be mounted at a maximum height of 34 inches from the floor The floor space under the sink has to be unobstructed There has to be from 11 to 25 inches of knee depth under the sink Why are ADA Sink Guidelines so Important? The above specifications are necessary to be compliant with an ADA sink to help people who have limited mobility use the sink. These guidelines ensure that someone using a wheelchair has access to the sink. With the clearance and height specifications, there is enough room for a wheelchair to maneuver under the sink and allow the user to reach the faucets and basin. The specifications and guidelines created by the ADA are not optional. These specifications are the law, and if a business, no matter the size, is found not to be in compliance can face fines. ADA Compliant Faucets Along with ADA sink guidelines, there are also ADA faucet requirements. If the faucets are not compliant with the ADA, then your kitchen or bathroom is non-compliant. These are the guidelines for ADA faucets: The height of the faucet should be no more than forty-four inches from the floor if the sink has a depth from twenty to twenty-five inches If the depth of the sink is forty-eight inches or less, the faucet should be no more than forty-eight inches from the floor The faucets must be operable with one hand The faucets must be operable by push button, electronic sensor, or by touch Faucets should be easy to turn on meaning less than five pounds of exertion should be required Where to Learn More About ADA Sinks and Remodeling Services William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home, are the experts at making home improvements. If you have a physically challenged loved one, or if you are struggling with disabilities, contact us to learn how we can make your home or business compliant with ADA regulations. We can help you make life easier with a handicapped bathroom installation. Our remodeling services extend to your kitchen and even outside. Call us today and discover how we can add value to your property while making it more accessible to your needs.

ADA showers are typically installed to serve the general public whether in a business or a public facility. The specifics for these guidelines vary depending on how the building is going to be used. These ADA guidelines, however, are useful for anyone who wants to meet the needs of someone disabled. This means the guidelines will meet the needs of homeowners as well as those serving the public. Guidelines for ADA Showers The guidelines for an ADA-compliant shower provide you with information regarding designs, materials, and measurements that will meet the individual needs for various disabilities. The guidelines include spacing measurements, grab bar placements, shower seat strength, spray unit heights, shower control heights, threshold requirements, and more. Some of the information you will find in these guidelines include: Threshold heights for roll-in showers should be no taller than one-half inch The standard roll-in shower has to have at least thirty inches in its width, and be sixty inches deep- the front entry for the shower needs to be at least sixty inches wide The grab bars in the shower have to be installed horizontally and no lower than thirty-three inches, and no higher than thirty-six inches from the floor ADA showers must have a spray unit with a hose attached that is at least fifty-nine inches long. This unit should be mounted no higher than forty-eight inches from the floor. The spray unit should have the ability to be used as either a hand-held sprayer or fixed shower head Designing a Handicapped Accessible Shower When you design your handicapped accessible shower following ADA guidelines, consider how you can customize it to the user's needs. If you need this shower for an individual in a wheelchair, you'll want a roll-in design. Some disabled persons can walk into the shower unit but will require being able to sit, so they will need a transfer type design. Some individuals require a special design outside of the ADA guidelines, such as those with a large build who will need additional room inside the stall. If you know what type of shower you will need, but are unsure how to accommodate it to your bathroom or home, contact a professional such as William Falkenstein who specializes in ADA bathrooms. Additions to Your Bathroom for Making it Handicap Accessible Many ideas on the market can help make your existing bathroom more handicapped accessible. These are a few ideas to help make your bathroom shower as comfortable as possible for someone with a disability. Manageable shower accessories- It takes more than just replacing showerheads and doors in your shower to make it more usable, safe, and comfortable for someone with a disability. Your shower accessories should be easily reached, such as the shampoo, soap, and other items needed while showering. Your shower design should include recessed niches and trays to accommodate these accessories. Easy to clean walls- When designing your ADA showers, you want to keep them as maintenance-free as possible. A good material to use is the shower panels, these are much easier to clean than the standard shower wall tiles. Barrier-free shower entrance- If you are having a new shower system installed to be ADA compliant, you should consider the glass block shower. Glass blocks provide balance support for handicapped individuals and also give a significant degree of privacy. The glass block shower is more beneficial than the thin, sliding door styles. Why Choose an ADA Compliant Shower Flooring? The greatest benefit you can add to your ADA showers is specialized ADA flooring. The dome pattern on these tiles gives a tactile warning surface if someone is visually impaired. This flooring will allow them to feel for the edge of the shower with their feet. The texture of these tiles will also provide traction to protect those with limited mobility. Where to Learn More About ADA Showers William Falkenstein Improvement to the Home will help you create a superior quality handicap-accessible bathroom. We have more than forty years of experience in the industry and handle any sized job. If you or someone in your home is physically challenged, talk to one of our experts today to learn how we can make your home safer and more comfortable for everyone.

In some households, a handicapped toilet is a necessary part of the home. Not all manufacturers design these toilets with the care they require and deserve. If you require ADA bathrooms, you need to find the right product so your life can be simpler. Choosing wrong can make life frustrating and more complicated. The following are some of the top ADA-compliant toilets for your bathroom, and we've highlighted some of the options you should look for when choosing the right one for ADA bathrooms. 1. TOTO CST744SL#01 The TOTO CST744SL#01 Drake two-piece ADA Toilet is one of the best handicap toilets at an affordable price. This unit sells for a moderate price, yet still provides features you would find on the higher-end toilets. This toilet is low-flow as it uses only 1.6 gallons each flush. The TOTO Drake two-piece toilet uses the "GMAX" flushing mechanism (a three-inch flush valve ensuring top performance without wasting water.) This toilet has been designed under ADA compliance regulations and features an accessible-height and width, so it is appropriate for the disabled. This unit also has a rim height of seventeen inches to make it a comfortable seat. 2. WoodBridge T-001 Dual Flush Toilet The WoodBridge T-001 Dual Flush Toilet is not only an ADA-compliant unit, it accommodates the needs of all users. This toilet is a high-quality, comfortable modern unit with lots of benefits and features. This toilet is a one-piece unit constructed of quality, delicate ceramic. It has a sleek appearance and is exceptionally compact with a luxurious touch. The WoodBridge T-001is highly rated because of its efficiency, construction, customer feedback, and durability. It has a quiet flushing mechanism, high-end soft seat, and siphon flushing system. 3. Kohler 3810-47 Santa Rosa Toilet Kohler is a brand well-known for its longevity and craftsmanship. This manufacturer provides extensive work in their toilet units by operating on the leading edge in technology and design. The Santa Rosa model has a twenty-inch height making it ADA compliant. This toilet has an elongated design to give you maximum comfort with a perfect chair-height seat to make it accommodate people of all sizes and ages. The Santa Rosa has a water-saving feature that allows it to flush at 1.28 GPF yet doesn't compromise the cleaning part. 4. American Standard Cadet 3 Toilet The American Standard is known for engineering efficiency and powerful toilets. The Cadet 3 model is one of the best-selling units from this manufacturer and is extremely functional with impressive features. The elongated bowl's heigh meets ADA guidelines and provides comfortable use for both sitting and standing positions. The Cadet 3 model meets EPA WaterSense requirements, so after purchasing this unit, you would be eligible for consumer rebates. This toilet features a robust siphon flush system to help keep the bowl clean and has a three-inch flapper valve to refill the bowl quickly. 5. Convenient Height S Tall Toilet The Convenient Height S Tall Toilet features a rim height of twenty inches. This height makes it more comfortable for those with any disability. The height of this rim makes the Convenient Height S Tall unit ADA compliant. This model is environmentally friendly as it uses only 1.28 gallons of water with each flush. The dual-flush lever enhances its eco-friendliness as it allows for different quantities of water to flush depending on the type of waste in the bowl. The bowl on this unit is constructed from ultra-dual china and benefits from a straightforward installation. Where to Learn More About ADA Bathrooms William Falkenstein is the professional home improvement service to contact if your home needs ADA bathrooms. With over forty years of experience, we have been providing top-quality remodeling services at affordable prices. We are here to enhance the beauty of your home and make it more accessible by following all ADA guidelines.

No matter how old your home is, or how it looks, there is always room for improvement. If you haven't made up your mind where to start for home improvements in your house, take a look at your windows, cemented areas, or even at the doors and siding. Problems in these areas will only get worse as time goes by and increase your costs of replacing or repairing items. Reasons You Need to Have Quality Home Improvement Services The main reason a homeowner decides to have home improvement services is to increase the comfort and livability of the home. The best improvements will make your house more functional and comfortable for those living in it. An example is making your bathroom ADA-compliant for anyone living in the house with a disability. A kitchen remodeled under ADA guidelines will also open opportunities for everyone to use and access the area. Another factor to consider when thinking about home improvement services is the size of your existing rooms. Additional space is always a great consideration for a growing family or a family with a disabled member. Opening up space by removing walls within the house or adding an additional room to the already existing structure will greatly improve the quality of life for those living there. Perhaps you like to entertain and need a larger living room area to hold more guests, or you have a wheelchair user in your house who needs additional room to maneuver safely. Whatever your reasons are for seeking home improvement services, you are going to be adding value to your home and your life. Quality Home Improvement Services Can Lower Energy Bills Home improvements can pay for themselves when you consider replacing things such as water heaters, lighting fixtures, or broken window frames. Replacing those drafty doors and windows can save you money each month on your utility bills, and replacing outdated appliances can improve your home's efficiency. To add to the benefits, these types of home improvements can often be used as tax credits, which can lead to cash savings to equal or exceed what you've paid for them. Quality Home Improvements Can Lower Your Cost of Maintenance Homes will weather over time, but performing proper house maintenance can help you slow down the process. There are a lot of areas on a house that needs to be taken care of regularly, such as your windows, drainage system, roofing, seals, or doors. Home repair costs can be higher than what you would expect when you neglect housing maintenance issues. You can save yourself time-consuming and costly housing problems if you consider home improvement projects on your home now before they become serious and expensive. There are some issues you may be unaware of in your home that could be discovered while performing one home improvement project that could save hundreds of dollars down the road. Quality Home Improvements Can Boost Resale Value of Your Home After you've completed your home improvements, you may be so happy with your home you wouldn't consider selling it, however, the future is hard to predict. There may be a time when you want or have to sell and the home improvements you've done will boost the resale value. This factor is one of the best reasons for you to consider home improvements that will increase your home's value and boost the selling potential. If you have added ADA-compliant improvements to your house, it will open the resale potentials to an even wider audience. Who to Contact for Quality Home Improvements William Falkenstein is the expert home improvement service to contact if you have remodeling needs. Our professionals will arrive on time and complete first-class remodeling services to your home. You can appreciate the good communication between our team and you to ensure all home improvements are completed exactly as you've requested. When our projects are complete, we will leave your home as clean as when we began. Call and talk to one of our experts today if you have needs to assist someone with a disability, we will follow all ADA guidelines to make your home accessible and comfortable for someone using a walker or wheelchair. We are here to improve your home and your life.

If someone in your home relies on a wheelchair for mobility, you might have wondered what is the best flooring for wheelchairs. For safety and easier movements you want something that is slip-resistant, yet a floor that allows the wheels on the chair to move freely. Other considerations to take into account are having a floor that will be easy to maintain, and look good for as many years as possible. ADA compliant flooring is listed in the ADA accessibility guidelines and will help you make the right decision. These are some of the ideas you will find listed. Laminate Wood Flooring All laminate is rated according to a series of rigorous tests that include: Stain resistance Impact resistance Burn resistance Swelling under moist conditions Abrasion testing The EPLF (European Producers of Laminate Flooring) created the AC Rating or Abrasion Rating System for laminate floors. This rating allows buyers to understand how the different brands will differ in durability. If your laminate flooring is going to be used in a high-traffic area, you will want a higher AC number. With laminate flooring used in the residential setting, an AC/23 is typically good for all applications. An AC/31 (moderate commercial) is also used for residential applications as well as light commercial areas, such as small offices or hotel rooms. Wood Floors People have been installing wood floors in their homes for a long time. These floors are long-lasting, durable, look beautiful, and are great for wheelchairs. One drawback of this type of flooring is that wheels can scratch and wear the surface if they are not cleaned when returning from the outside. Ceramic Tile Floors A ceramic tiled floor will be more water-resistant than the laminate or wood flooring. Typically when thinking about wheelchair use, you will want to go with a two-inch square so there are enough grout lines to improve traction. If you use a larger square, you will risk the weight of the wheelchair cracking the tiles as they are more fragile. Using tiles with texture is more slip-resistant than the smoother tiles that create a more slick surface. Because there are several differences found in the ceramic tile choices, some caregivers have found ceramic tiles are not the best choice for wheelchairs. Vinyl Flooring Vinyl flooring is water-resistant and easy to take care of, and the inlaid sheet vinyl is more likely to be slip-resistant as well. With this flooring material, you would have the choice of vinyl tiles that have foam on the back making them slip-resistant. This style of flooring would install like laminate flooring. Another benefit of vinyl tiles is you can replace one tile if it gets damaged rather than having to replace a whole room if you use the sheet type of vinyl. Vinyl floorings are easy to clean, so if the wheelchair would make a scuff mark on it, a soft pencil eraser would rub it away. Carpeting If you are considering carpeting for your floors and have a wheelchair user in your home, you should understand there are disadvantages and advantages. If the carpet has a high pile, the wheels on the chair will not be able to roll easily. If it is a low pile carpet or commercial type carpeting intended for high use, it would work better for a wheelchair. Carpeting has to be firmly attached to your sub-flooring and have a pile less than 1/2 an inch. It has been reported that carpeting does not stay secure with continued wheelchair use and often forms humps or the seams that come apart. It is not as durable as other choices either and is not a good choice if there is water present. Breakdown of Flooring Choices for Wheelchairs These are the common choices a homeowner has when considering which flooring is the best ADA compliant flooring for wheelchair users. How the flooring is installed or the quality of the installation will make a significant difference with any choice you make. Carpets can bunch or tear, laminate boards can become unglued and pop up, and hardwood can become slippery when wet, and buckle making them a safety hazard. When you make your choice for flooring, it is even more important to have a quality installation. Where to Find Quality Installation of ADA Compliant Flooring for Wheelchairs William Falkenstein Improvements to the Home are experienced in following ADA compliant guidelines for all remodeling projects in your home. We are ready to make your home safer at prices you can afford. Talk to one of our specialists today and learn how we can make excellent home improvements for you or other members of your family.

Requirements for ADA Kitchens The Americans With Disabilities Act became law in July of 1990. This historical moment brought regulations to public areas that are now taken for granted. One of the changes this law implemented is the curb cuts on sidewalks. While these were originally designed for wheelchair users, they are also incredibly beneficial to other pedestrians. More than thirty years later, however, this approach for the disabled is not controlled in all private spaces. Standards in a residential building are often based on a user that is able-bodied and right-handed. If you or a loved one has become disabled, and living in your home has become a challenge, you can make changes to make your home accessible to your needs. How to Make Your Kitchen ADA Accessible If circumstances have changed in your home, or if you've found a new home that needs changes to accommodate a disability, you can contact a professional contractor, such as William Falkenstein, to design your kitchen to make it more accessible. With today's advances in accessible design, you can have a kitchen that is beautiful and functional for everyone in your home. Your kitchen can be ADA compliant, yet ergonomic for all that use it in your family, whether they are disabled or not. Some of the changes you can have for easy access that are ADA compliant include: Workspace The workspace in your kitchen should include a thirty-inch wide section of unobstructed counter space. Clearance There needs to be enough space in your kitchen for wheelchairs to move freely. The pass-through in the kitchen should be forty inches wide and sixty inches wide if your kitchen is U-shaped. Sink area The sink is one of the most important elements in your kitchen. This area has to unobstructed and located no more than thirty-four inches above the floor. Appliances All appliances in ADA kitchens need a clear floor space of 30 X 48 inches and be positioned forward. Cabinets ADA kitchens have cabinets with no less than 50% of the space accessible by someone with a disability. ADA Kitchens are Safer and More Accessible The regulations under the ADA law make kitchens safer and more accessible for someone suffering mobility issues due to a disability. The minimum clearance for wheelchairs is thirty-two inches, and lighting is recommended to include LED lights. These lights are easier on your eyes and last much longer than the standard bulbs. Other areas in your kitchen that can be made more functional, safer, and accessible for you are the drawers. Using lever-style handles on your doors and wider pulls for your drawers make them easier to open and close. The touch system on doors is another option where you simply push against the door and it opens for you. Storage is another important area in your kitchen you want to be able to reach easily. Items you use on a daily basis should be no higher than waist height. Having a 'Lazy Susan' is especially helpful to reach items you need, and full-extension slide shelving makes it easier to reach the items deeper inside the cabinets. The cooktop or stove is an appliance you should have safe access to, and the recommendation for ADA kitchens is the Induction Cooktops. These stoves conduct heat only when contact with a magnetic cooking vessel is placed on them. Your stove should have burners that are placed side-by-side with controls on the front. Why You Might Consider ADA Kitchens Multigenerational households are becoming more popular, and an ADA kitchen is the most practical choice to meet the physical needs of all family members. Circumstances can change in a family and a disability could alter the physical abilities of yourself or another member of the household. An ADA kitchen is a safe and functional change you can make to your home to allow independence to the disabled. Who to Contact About ADA Kitchens William Falkenstein-Improvements to the Home is the experts to contact if you need an ADA compliant bathroom or kitchen. We understand the importance of retaining independence, and with an ADA kitchen, you retain this freedom. Our remodeling services are top-quality and affordable. Contact us to learn how we can improve your home with an ADA kitchen.